Early 870 16 gauges were not on the 12gauge frame. My Dads was new in 1951 and is slimmer than a 12 gauge. My brother has it now and uses it.
Carried a 16 gauge 11-48 last fall for pheasants in South Dakota. Joy to carry and performed perfectly. Fall before was a 16 gauge Model 31 lightweight. That likewise was good. I put about 4 oz of lead in the butt to make it balance better, still very light to carry. Shot it very well on pheasants and sharptails.
Both the 11-48 and the Model 31 were under $300.00 shotguns in very nice shape. Dale
